House of Sweden’s new exhibitions recycle history
The Sweden’s house recently opened two new exhibitions, which, although different in context and expression, in a gripping way put front and center groups marginalized in history.
When they enter the embassy, customers will see the first exhibition, “Her rights“, marked with large pink-edged silhouettes. The inauguration in March to honor Women’s History Month, the exhibition focuses on gender equality and women’s advancement in the labor market.
The year-long curated exhibition weaves historical examples, such as cosmetics from Madam CJ Walker at the beginning of the 20th century to newer female products such as edible straws with zero waste. Obviously, many Swedish products are presented but balanced with the overall global narrative of the common progress in women’s rights in the labor force.
Each section flows together and contains interactive elements, including a useful hopscotch timeline of female activism and tablets with videos of the inventors of the products on display.
“[Swedish people] are very committed to women’s rights – and men’s rights, says Swedish Institute Program Manager Ulrika Rosvall about the exhibition’s ethos. – We see it as the same thing. Women live in stereotypical roles, but so do men. ”
Although the exhibition covers a wide range of different subgroups of women’s rights on a global scale, the exhibition is well thought out and paints a clear picture of women’s role progress in the workforce without overwhelming visitors.
Art by Samer
Open until July 17, “Arctic Highways: Unlimited Indigenous Peoples”Highlights the work of 12 indigenous artists from the northern hemisphere. The selected art expresses various aspects of the history and life of the indigenous people, including the consequences of colonialism, identity and modern activism in their society. Although artists from the exhibition live in the Arctic regions of the world, such as the United States, Canada and Finland, they identify as a group.
“We are indigenous peoples living in different countries and on different continents, and yet consider ourselves people with related spirits,” it says in the exhibition’s mission. “The borders of the nation states, arbitrarily drawn without regard to the landscape of our ancestors, have been used to group the Sami people and to enable us to fight against our brothers and sisters who live on the other side, fencing in and silencing. Our voices and our knowledge.”
Their collective message as a united people is also evident through the exhibition’s various media and forms: from the large scenic photographs of different landscapes to the meticulous needlepoint art in an Arctic skyline.
A striking work by artist Sonya Kelliher-Combs shows 35 pieces of painted and ornate fabric evenly lined up in two rows to represent the number of villages that reported credible allegations of sexual abuse from the Catholic Church in Alaska. Next to the work is a long list of all the names of the accused perpetrators. There is also a 36th piece of fabric unpainted to mark all the others that may not have arrived.
Kelliher-Combs noted that she hopes that the creation of this piece provides awareness and acts as a catharsis for the whole community.
“Friends and other salespeople come over to work on these parts together,” says Kelliher-Comb about how she goes about creating her artwork. “I really believe in community. I think that’s the only way you can survive. You have to work it out together. It’s hard to do everything yourself.”
“Arctic Highways” serves as a space for shared origin stories while showing the Sami’s strength, resilience and beauty.
“Her Rights” is open to the public through March 2023. “Arctic Highways: Unbounded Indigenous People is open through July 12, 2022. To see available times to view the exhibits, visit here.
Sweden House: 2900 K St. NW, DC; houseofsweden.com // @swedeninusa
Do you like this piece? Consider becoming a member to access our digital premium content. Support local journalism and start your membership today.